Huckle impresses in Wasps’ win over Severn Stars

What started as a game that was bouncing from one shooting circle to another, Wasps picked up on Stars unforced errors as soon as the second quarter began, taking their lead all the way to the end.

The first quarter was initiated by Wasps, who took their centre pass straight to goal by Rachel Dunn. Stars retaliated with a goal from Paige Reed after a brilliant link up with Liana Leota on the circle edge. The rest of the quarter saw similar play all the way through, seeing all four shooters score some brilliant goals. However, both teams displayed some scrappy passes and shots which eventually led to Wasps picking up the pace and taking the lead, ending the quarter 12-9.

Quarter two let Wasps display their finesse as Stars unforced errors were easy to score from. With no changes to either teams, Stars were quick to get the ball into the circle but Player of the Match, Josie Huckle, was hot on the heels of Georgia Rowe when the ball was in play for a rebound. Despite Stars 'defence, Lucy Herdman and Adio Bolokaro, being body-on-body with Dunn and Katie Harris, the Wasps shooters were formidable in the sinking of long bombs and under the post shots.

With the first half coming to a close and only three goals being scored for Stars, Wasps scored one more on the buzzer to finish it 24-12. With six unforced errors being made from Stars compared to five from Wasps, Stars were looking at coming back fighting for the second half.

Kicking off quarter three, Stars took the first centre pass only to be immediately turned over by Wasps. With young-gun Issy Eaton entering the court, her determination was second to none to get her name on the scoresheet. And so, she did, sinking her first shot from just inside the circle. Some miscommunication from Wasps and Reed found Eaton under the post alone.

As pressure increases from Stars defence, Herdman is sure to keep Dunn high in the circle, out of her shooting comfort zone but Dunn is found back under the post to score yet another goal for Wasps. Passages of play improved from Stars but the speed of Lily-May Catling saw the ball retreat back to the Wasps shooting circle. The final shot of the third quarter was executed beautifully by Reed, despite a wobbly post. Wasps were going into the final quarter leading 37-21.

With the final 12 minutes ahead, Stars wanted to finish their game in style and that they did. With no-look passes and overhead balls from the centre third, the team were demonstrating to Wasps that despite the score, they know how to play a good game of netball. Eaton’s holding on Hannah Leighton meant she could receive high balls from Leota which she then put through the net with ease. With both teams seeing the game through to the end, it ended gracefully with a swish shot from Rachel Dunn, 53-27.

Speaking after the game, Stars Head Coach Melissa Bessell said: "I’m really pleased with our start. I thought we did really well, and I think moving forward and looking at that game I am over the moon with Issy Eaton. She’s only 16! She played against Josie who got player of the match. For a young 16-year-old who was very nervous, I am so proud of her. I’ll take the first quarter."

Mizuno Player of the Match: Josie Huckle (Wasps).

Match report from Severn Stars.

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